Patrolman Jonathan Richard Schmidt

Patrolman Jonathan Richard Schmidt

Trumann Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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Jonathan Richard Schmidt

Patrolman Jonathan Schmidt was shot and killed at approximately 11:30 pm as he and his sergeant made a traffic stop on Pine Avenue, near Cottonwood Manor.

The officers stopped a vehicle occupied by three individuals for operating without insurance. The officers removed the driver and placed him under arrest on a failure to appear warrant.

As Patrolman Schmidt opened the rear passenger door to remove the second male passenger, the man lunged at him and immediately opened fire. Patrolman Schmidt, who was shot in the neck, turned and pushed his sergeant out of the way before returning fire. The suspect was wounded by the return gunfire and taken into custody. He was convicted and sentenced to death.

Patrolman Schmidt was taken to NEA Baptist Hospital where he died from his wounds.

On July 26th, 2012, the subject who shot Patrolman Schmidt was convicted of capital murder. He was subsequently sentenced to death.

Patrolman Schmidt had served with the Trumann Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Tuesday, April 12, 2011
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to death

Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

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